Shloka 69
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
ततो<श्मवृष्टिरत्यर्थमासीत् तत्र समन्ततः । संध्याकालाधिकबलेै: प्रयुक्ता राक्षसै: क्षितो,तदनन्तर उस रणभूमिमें चारों ओर संध्याकालसे ही अधिक बलवान हुए राक्षसोंद्वारा की हुई पत्थरोंकी बड़ी भारी वर्षा होने लगी
tato 'śmavṛṣṭir atyartham āsīt tatra samantataḥ | sandhyākālādhibalaiḥ prayuktā rākṣasaiḥ kṣitau ||
Sañjaya said: Then, all around that battlefield, there arose an exceedingly fierce shower of stones, hurled upon the earth by the Rākṣasas—who, empowered beyond measure by the strength of twilight—unleashed it as a terrifying instrument of war.
सयजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare can descend into terrifying, indiscriminate destruction when fueled by dark or liminal powers (here, twilight-associated Rākṣasas). Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s recurring warning that adharma-driven methods amplify suffering and chaos on the battlefield.
Sañjaya reports that a massive, intense barrage of stones begins across the battlefield. This assault is attributed to Rākṣasas who become especially powerful at twilight, and they use that heightened strength to unleash a devastating attack in all directions.